Sherman 18
Master at Arms
Alright I teased about a top secret project.
I went and started with this DML M3A1 halftrack, well because it is cool. You guys should know by now that i can't just build something from the box. I was hoping this could/would kick start me out of my funk that I've been in. I think it has. The progress has been trouble free, I mean things are just clicking. So here it is as of Sunday night. Still lots and lots to do.
reference images
the kit
I started with the rear compartment floor, a drill press, dremel, files and 120 and 320 sand paper were used to remove the seats
I then added holes for the fuel gauge and fuel gauge plug in the fuel tanks. I also filled in the seat indentation on the right tank with styrene strip and some putty. I made the fuel gauge cover and plug from styrene tubing and strip
Added casting texture to rear suspension
I opened the battery box and started to scratch build the second battery box that Israel added to the halftracks
Since the battery box is open now I made a battery to stick in the box out of styrene strip
Added a brake line to the rear differential
I removed the molded in gas can support on the right and left side of the cab. I then filled the hole with strip styrene. You can see where I opened up the lower part of the right side cab for the battery.
Yes the M113 engine from an Academy kit does fit
I went and started with this DML M3A1 halftrack, well because it is cool. You guys should know by now that i can't just build something from the box. I was hoping this could/would kick start me out of my funk that I've been in. I think it has. The progress has been trouble free, I mean things are just clicking. So here it is as of Sunday night. Still lots and lots to do.
reference images
the kit
I started with the rear compartment floor, a drill press, dremel, files and 120 and 320 sand paper were used to remove the seats
I then added holes for the fuel gauge and fuel gauge plug in the fuel tanks. I also filled in the seat indentation on the right tank with styrene strip and some putty. I made the fuel gauge cover and plug from styrene tubing and strip
Added casting texture to rear suspension
I opened the battery box and started to scratch build the second battery box that Israel added to the halftracks
Since the battery box is open now I made a battery to stick in the box out of styrene strip
Added a brake line to the rear differential
I removed the molded in gas can support on the right and left side of the cab. I then filled the hole with strip styrene. You can see where I opened up the lower part of the right side cab for the battery.
Yes the M113 engine from an Academy kit does fit